Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/ ZENODOarrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/
ZENODO
Part of book or chapter of book . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Part of book or chapter of book . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Part of book or chapter of book . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
versions View all 2 versions
addClaim

An Overview of Law and Medicine

Authors: Ojedokun, Olu; Oguntimehin, Oluwadamilola;

An Overview of Law and Medicine

Abstract

The intersection of law and medicine presents a complex relationship requiring a balance between medical ethics, professional responsibilities, and legal obligations. This chapter unpacks the duties of medical doctors in Nigeria, as outlined by Professor Rotimi Jaiyesimi in his lecture on Medical Liability and the Law. These duties, regulated by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), established in 1963, highlight the importance of trust, professionalism, and patient care in medical practice. The paper uses qualitative research methodology, relying on relevant primary and secondary sources which is content-based and material to the issue at hand. In examining key areas such as medical knowledge, communication, patient partnerships, and safety culture, this paper will explore how these responsibilities influence legal outcomes, particularly in cases involving medical malpractice, informed consent, and patient rights. The regulation of medical practice through the MDCN and its impact on both the healthcare provider and patient will be critically analyzed, emphasizing the need for legal frameworks to safeguard the standards of medical professionalism and trust. In Nigeria, medical negligence can lead to civil and criminal liabilities. Section 343 of the Nigerian Criminal Code stipulates that any person who administers medical or surgical treatment in a rash or negligent manner, endangering life or likely to cause harm, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Additionally, the limitation period for actions based on medical negligence is generally three years from the date the cause of action arose. In analyzing these aspects, this paper highlights the critical role of a legal framework in ensuring that medical professionals adhere to established standards, thereby protecting patient rights and promoting public health. It also underscores the necessity for continuous education, strict regulatory oversight, and a commitment to ethical practice to navigate the complex relationship between law and medicine effectively. 

Related Organizations
Keywords

Medical Negligence, Professionalism, Patients, Health and Ethics, Trust

  • BIP!
    Impact byBIP!
    selected citations
    These citations are derived from selected sources.
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    0
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green